Rahim Ali says India’s Panama performance has inspired confidence as they prepare for the historic Brazil clash.
Yubabharati Krirangan, also known as the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, is preparing for a historic event: India vs. Brazil. From the renovated dressing rooms to the new grass on the field, Kolkata is preparing for this prestigious occasion, the first major event since the recent power shift. On one side, enthusiasm for the match builds; the excitement in the air is palpable.
On the other side, the Indian team is trying to leave no room for error in their preparation. Every player on the Indian team is highly motivated with a winning mindset after the Panama match. The Brazilian football team will arrive in Kolkata today; before that, Sports Minister Indranil Kha and AIFF President Kalyan Choubey, along with the Chief Minister of West Bengal, sat for a meeting on the preparations for the match.
Rahim Ali, one of the key players of the India U-17 team in the 2017 U-17 World Cup, is the only player from West Bengal who will be on the field to be part of history and gave some insight about the match to the press.
‘We will continue to do the same’- Rahim Ali
When asked about self-confidence, Rahim Ali praised India’s performance against Panama and said, “That match was a big boost for us; we played well and will continue to do the same match by match.” Rahim also praised the coach, Khalid Jamil, saying they are following the coach’s instructions and plan.
‘It will be 11 vs 11 on the field’
India is hosting the Brazil team for the very first time in history. While legends like Pelé, Ronaldinho, Cafu, and Roberto Carlos have previously visited India for promotional events, exhibition games, or guest appearances, the official Brazilian national team has never toured or played a game in the country before. Discussing the upcoming match against Brazil, Rahim said, “They are five-time winners and a championship team, so it will be tough for us. However, it will be 11 versus 11 on the field, and we will need to give our 200% against a team like this.”
He also praised the last match’s goal scorer, Ryan Williams.
‘I am not thinking about the FIFA ranking at all’
Rahim Ali made it clear that India are not going to be intimidated by Brazil’s stature or FIFA ranking ahead of the clash. “I am not thinking about the FIFA ranking at all. The most important thing is what we are showing on the field,” he said. The Indian striker added, “We have to know about the way Brazil plays and their planning. The coach is showing us videos of Brazil’s matches. We have to know about each of their footballers and their strengths.”
Rahim also revealed that the team is preparing to approach the game with intensity, saying, “The coach has told us that we have to play this match with a lot of intensity. Against a big team like this, we have to maintain our concentration.” He also said he is ready to tackle Vinicius Jr. if the team needs him.
India will take on Brazil in the historic match on 3rd October watch live at Sony Liv.
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